The programme is expected to begin on Wednesday and comes as demand for digital infrastructure increases across Africa.

Growth in cloud services, artificial intelligence workloads and enterprise data storage has increased requirements on operators to find engineers who can run critical systems.

Experts in the sector say new facilities are opening, but skilled workers remain in short supply.

“There’s a lot of recycling of the same people across companies,” said Adebola Adefarati, Rack Centre’s head of marketing and communications. “People move from one data centre or telco to another, and it becomes a closed loop. The industry has to start creating new talent.”

Rack Centre said many operators still depend on internal training because experienced workers are limited. The problem is bigger in Africa, where specialised training is scarce and trained staff are usually hired away by foreign firms.

According to the company, engineers who can manage infrastructure in Nigeria are especially attractive abroad because they already understand how to work under difficult conditions such as unstable grid power and high temperatures.

“Once people gain experience running reliable systems in Nigeria, they become prime targets,” Adefarati said. “We’ve seen a number of our own people leave for opportunities abroad.”

Rather than compete for the same workers, Rack Centre said it wants to help build a larger talent pipeline for the industry.

Data centres usually run with small teams, but those teams need specialised knowledge. Staff must manage power systems, cooling equipment, network hardware, monitoring tools and emergency response systems around the clock.

The first group will take in between 15 and 20 trainees. Rack Centre said only some may join the company after graduation, while others could move into jobs with telecom firms and other data centre operators.

Participants will receive classroom training, technical certifications and practical experience inside a live operating facility. One certification track will be delivered with Schneider Electric’s training platform. The full programme will run for about four to five months.

Rack Centre said it will fully cover the estimated $2,500 cost per participant.

“The issue is not that people aren’t studying engineering,” Adefarati said. “It’s that they’re not trained to work on systems that must run 100% of the time. Data centres are different. You’re dealing with redundant power, precision cooling, and real-time fault detection in a highly sensitive environment.”

The company said operating in Nigeria brings added pressure. Cooling systems must work efficiently in extreme heat, while power infrastructure must cope with an unreliable national grid.

Rack Centre is also developing the programme with the Africa Data Centres Association, which is working towards training up to 1,000 professionals over the next two years.

The initiative also aims to improve gender balance in the sector. Women are still underrepresented in many technical operations roles, and Rack Centre said it wants at least one-third of each cohort to be female.

“Data centres are often seen as hardware,” Adefarati said. “But their success is fundamentally about people.”

The post Rack Centre Opens Training Programme to Tackle Nigeria’s Data Centre Skills Gap appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The appointment takes effect immediately. Maxson joins from Schneider Electric, where she served as group CFO.

The company generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue and has seen strong demand linked to data centre growth.

At Oracle, she steps into the role at a time when spending is increasing. The company has been investing heavily in data centres, multicloud systems and AI-ready infrastructure. Demand for those services continues to outpace supply.

Maxson said she would focus on disciplined investment. “I aim to ensure continued disciplined investment for creating lasting value for both customers and shareholders.”

Her background in energy could prove useful. Data centres require large amounts of power, and efficiency has become a growing concern as companies scale AI systems. Oracle has been increasing capacity while managing the cost and complexity that comes with it.

Oracle is growing fast, but that growth is expensive. The company has taken on more debt to support its build-out, and investors are watching closely.

In its latest quarter, Oracle reported its best results in 15 years, with revenue growth above 20%. Even so, its stock has struggled this year. Shares were trading around $146 on April 6, still about 25% below their 52-week high despite a slight rise in early trading.

Investors have pointed to the high debt levels and the cost of scaling AI infrastructure. Competition is also intense, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Google continuing to invest heavily in their own cloud platforms.

Maxson, 48, will receive a base salary of $950,000 and is eligible for a performance-based bonus with a target of $2.5 million, according to a regulatory filing.

Her appointment also brings a change in leadership structure. Doug Kehring, who has handled the finance role for the past six months, will step down and return to leading go-to-market operations.

Hilary Maxson will report directly to Oracle CEO Clay Magouyrk, revealing a stronger link between finance and the company’s cloud growth plans.

The post Oracle Appoints Schneider Electric’s Hilary Maxson as CFO appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The gathering, which doubled as Schneider Electric’s 25th anniversary in Nigeria, attracted more than 450 participants, including IT partners, automation engineers, electrical consultants, architects, prescribers, end users, and senior government officials.

This year’s theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Energy Future: Policy, Innovation, and Investment,” focused on accelerating strategic conversations around energy transition and national development.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TD Africa and Schneider Electric for the joint development of Future-Ready, AI-Powered Data Centres across Nigeria.

These next-generation facilities, built for both Core and Edge environments, are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, aligning directly with the country’s ambitions for resilience, sustainability, and technological advancement, and supporting emerging technologies, and enabling enterprises to compete globally.

Signing on behalf of TD Africa was Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of the Zinox Group, whose presence underscored the significance of the alliance. In his remarks, Dr. Ekeh described the partnership as a significant stride toward the nation’s digital evolution.

“This partnership is a testimony to TD Africa’s commitment to championing Africa’s digital future. Building AI-powered, resilient, and sustainable data centres is not just an investment in technology; it is an investment in the competitiveness of Nigerian enterprises for the next decade. Together with Schneider Electric, we are building the infrastructure that will support a smarter, greener, and more prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.

The ceremony also featured contributions from notable industry leaders, including Walid Sheta, Zone President, Middle East & Africa; and Canninah Dladla, Cluster President, Schneider Electric. Senior executives from the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Nigeria LNG, Aradel Holdings, SEforALL, and several key government agencies participated in panel discussions that underscored the urgent need for transformative partnerships, policy alignment, and long-term investments to support Nigeria’s evolving energy and digital landscape.

With this new MoU, TD Africa strengthens its long-standing reputation as a catalyst in West Africa’s digital transformation.

The collaboration synergises TD Africa’s expansive distribution network and technological influence with Schneider Electric’s global expertise in energy management and automation.

The result will be a new class of data centre infrastructure that is secure, energy-efficient, scalable, compliant with global sustainability standards, and capable of supporting Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

As Nigeria looks ahead to a future powered by innovation and clean energy, TD Africa remains committed to driving the partnerships, ecosystems, and infrastructure that will secure the nation’s digital competitiveness for years to come.

The post TD Africa, Schneider Electric Sign MoU on AI-Powered Data Centres appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The French energy management giant will use the funds to expand domestic manufacturing, modernise infrastructure, and improve supply chain resilience.

The company’s expansion, set to run through 2027, will bring upgrades to multiple facilities across the U.S., including locations in Tennessee, Texas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, and the Carolinas. With this move, Schneider Electric expects to generate over 1,000 new jobs.

“We stand at an inflection point for the technology and industrial sectors in the U.S., driven by incredible AI growth and unprecedented energy demand,” said Aamir Paul, president of North America Operations for Schneider Electric.

Schneider Electric’s investment aligns with the U.S. government’s vision to bolster local manufacturing as global supply chain disruptions and tariff issues surface. Over the past decade, the company has poured billions into its American operations, with this latest commitment pushing total investment beyond $1 billion.

The expansion will see the construction of new manufacturing facilities, the launch of research and development labs, and the deployment of cutting-edge automation technologies.

In particular, Schneider Electric aims to increase production of energy-efficient systems and industrial automation solutions, helping businesses and utilities transition to smarter, more resilient energy networks.

Among the key developments:

• Tennessee: A new facility adjacent to an existing plant will strengthen the company’s presence in the medium-voltage market.
• Massachusetts: A new power distribution lab will focus on AI-driven data centre solutions.
• Missouri & Ohio: Upgraded plants will boost production of critical electrical components.
• Texas: A significant expansion in El Paso and Houston will enhance switchgear manufacturing and energy sector innovations.
• North & South Carolina: Investments in robotics and motion technologies will improve industrial efficiency.

With AI and digital infrastructure demanding more energy, Schneider Electric is entering the heart of the transition. The company is rolling out its One Digital Grid Platform, an AI-powered tool designed to help utilities modernise the grid and handle rising electricity consumption. 

Again, its involvement in EPRI’s DCFlex initiative asserts a commitment to integrating data centres into the energy ecosystem more efficiently.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sees this investment as a pivot.

“America’s electrical system will face high energy demand in the coming decade driven by data centres and AI. Schneider Electric’s historic investment… is indicative of the critical role electrical manufacturers play in meeting this new demand and powering an electric future,” said Debra Philips, president and CEO of NEMA.

Schneider Electric already has a strong presence in the U.S., employing over 21,000 people and operating more than 20 smart factories. Its products are widely used across various sectors, including healthcare, water management, and residential energy solutions.

The company has also been recognised for its workplace culture, sustainability efforts, and veteran hiring initiatives. In 2024, TIME Magazine named it the world’s most sustainable company, and it has consistently ranked among the best places to work.

The post Schneider Electric Commits $700M to U.S. Expansion Over the Next Two Years appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Business success and sustainability have become inextricably linked; however, the definition of the latter is not as simple as it seems. For one, sustainability extends to include companies’ most valuable assets, its people.

As a global company with a presence in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently driving conversations around sustainability at the highest levels of leadership.

We proactively engage with C-suite executives and other stakeholders who, regardless of their geographical location, have ambitious sustainability goals.

Whether in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, we see businesses setting targets that align with global climate action plans and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These companies recognise the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges our world faces today, and they are increasingly committed to driving sustainable transformations in their operations.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Africa faces unique hurdles. For many countries in this region, the order of priorities, as described by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, often means that basic needs—such as access to reliable electricity—are still unmet for a large portion of the population.

In some Southern African countries, electricity grid connectivity ranges between 40% to 70%, starkly contrasting the near-universal grid access enjoyed by most European nations.

Within this context, moving communities from coal- or wood-fired heating and cooking appliances to electricity, regardless of the energy source, is already an important step forward.

Furthermore, Africa has a youthful population, representing a sizeable portion of the globe’s youth demographic.

This presents unique and exciting prospects for implementing sustainability throughout the continent’s growing business landscape.

Schneider Electric’s commitment

At our Anglophone Africa operations, our annual One Voice survey consistently shows that our commitment to sustainability is a key driver of employee satisfaction.

Schneider Electric’s focus goes beyond green energy; we embrace diversity, inclusion, and responsible business practices, ensuring that sustainability is not only about the planet but also about the people who inhabit it.

And isn’t this the essence of sustainability—ensuring that businesses contribute positively to environment as well as the well-being of their workers, communities, and customers.

It’s about creating value for people as individuals, enhancing their health, well-being, skills, and employability, and providing them with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Thus, organisations like Schneider Electric have a responsibility to contribute to this broader approach to sustainability.

By aligning our operations with the UN’s SDGs, we are committed to ensuring that our business practices not only generate shareholder value but also respect the environment, support local communities, and create meaningful work for future generations.

[Featured Image Credit]

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Indeed, it a continent that continues to show great potential which is why investment in infrastructure and technology – to enhance grid efficiency, energy storage, and resilience – should become a major agenda point.

According to PwC’s recent report Africa Energy Review Overview public-private partnerships are essential for driving energy-sector reforms and infrastructure development.

Here, examples from South Africa and Nigeria show how collaboration between the public and private sectors can enhance energy security, attract investment, and support the transition to a competitive and sustainable energy markets.

Also, says PwC, Africa is making significant strides in renewable energy, with countries like Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco leading in solar, wind, and geothermal projects.

On a recent visit to South Africa, Jean-Pascal Tricoire Global Chairman of Schneider Electric emphasised the company’s continued commitment to South Africa and Africa, highlighting key developments.

“South Africa is making significant strides in reaching important sustainable energy milestones,” he says.

South Africa’s share of renewables is projected to reach 17%  by 2032 driven by the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and regulatory reforms that allow greater private sector participation.

“South Africa’s energy crisis pushed over five gigawatts of renewables into the grid in just a few short years. When it’s necessary, it becomes possible,” he notes.

Overall, it is projected that as much as 76%  of Africa’s electricity could come from renewables by 2040 if existing and planned power plants are built and used to their full capacity. This would be made up of 82% hydropower, 11% solar, and 7% wind.

Prioritising efficiency, electrification, and decarbonisation

Tricoire stresses that Africa’s energy transition must focus not just on increasing the supply of green energy but also on transforming demand.

“The world will become electric because technologies like electric cars, data centres, and digital infrastructure are inherently driven by electricity.

The priority is to save energy through digitisation and efficiency, the second is to electrify, and the third is to decarbonise the energy supply,” he explains.

He further adds that up to two thirds of carbon emissions can be mitigated by using existing technologies. For example, optimising energy efficiency in urban infrastructure such as water networks, transport systems, and buildings could yield significant reductions in energy consumption.

“We are experiencing an historic development in the field of energy,” says Tricoire, noting the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and big data to drive digitisation, which is now accessible and scalable at a lower cost.

Public-private partnership

For South Africa and the broader African continent, the energy transition is not just about adopting renewables but also about optimising current systems to be more efficient and sustainable.

“Africa’s energy future hinges on collaboration between the public and private sectors,” notes Annabel Bishop, chief economist of Investec, echoing Tricoire’s sentiments on the need for integrated solutions. “By embracing digital technologies and fostering private sector involvement, South Africa can achieve its ambitious goals of economic growth and sustainability,” she says.

Leading by example

Across Africa, the drive towards cleaner energy is gaining momentum here. Tricoire emphasises that the continent is undergoing an important shift towards sustainable energy. A key example is Kenya; the country’s energy mix costs primarily of renewable sources like geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar, accounting for 85% to 90% of the country’s energy generation. “Kenya is on a path to a fully green grid by 2030,” he says,

The journey ahead for South Africa and the rest African continent involves leveraging existing technologies, fostering innovation, and nurturing partnerships between government and industry.

As Tricoire aptly puts it: “We have to be champions of efficiency and sustainability by being smart and green.”

The post Africa’s Progress and Promise in the New Energy Landscape appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

With the advent of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and seamless connectivity, these systems offer users unparalleled control over energy consumption.

The integration of smart home ecosystems further enhances their appeal, fostering energy efficiency and sustainability.

As consumers increasingly prioritize streamlined, automated solutions, the home energy management system industry will expand significantly, aligning with the evolving landscape of modern, tech-enabled households.

Companies are introducing innovative home energy management solutions to offer customers efficient energy solutions, contributing to the market’s strength by meeting the growing demand for advanced, user-friendly systems.

For instance, in 2023, Schneider Electric initiated orders for Schneider Home, an innovative home energy management solution that enhances efficiency and resilience.

This solution ensures energy independence by automating production, storage, measurement, and control through a user-friendly app, offering a comprehensive and award-winning approach to integrated home energy management.

The home energy management system market share is classified based on component, product, and region.

The software segment will achieve a remarkable market share by 2032 due to the pivotal role of software solutions in optimizing energy consumption and enabling seamless integration with smart home technologies.

As consumers increasingly seek efficient and personalized energy management, software becomes a linchpin.

Its adaptability, data analytics capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces will position it as a central element driving the widespread adoption of home energy management systems, establishing software as the cornerstone in enhancing energy efficiency within modern households.

The programmable communicating thermostats segment will garner notable gains through 2032, driven by the PCT’s role in optimizing heating and cooling, offering users precise control over energy consumption.

As households increasingly prioritize efficiency and cost savings, PCTs emerge as a key solution. Their ability to integrate with smart home ecosystems and adapt to user preferences will position them as a central component in carving the trajectory of the home energy management system market within the broader landscape of energy-efficient technologies.

Europe will grow at a noteworthy CAGR from 2023 to 2032, fueled by the region’s robust commitment to renewable energy, stringent environmental regulations, and widespread adoption of smart home technologies.

The increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, coupled with government initiatives promoting sustainable living, will position Europe at the forefront of the home energy management industry.

With a growing awareness of the need for eco-friendly solutions, the region will take the lead in shaping the home energy management system industry outlook.

The post Home Energy Management Market Expands with AI, IoT Innovations appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Geopolitical tensions, rising interest rates, and economic instability are reshaping global trade and business strategies.

As Natalya Makarochkina, senior vice president of Secure Power Division, International Operations at Schneider Electric, writes in her recent thought leadership piece, “CIOs must prioritize security, resilience, and sustainability as they digitally transform their organizations for the future.”

Sustainability at the Core of Digital Transformation

Sustainability, according to Makarochkina, is now a primary focus for CIOs. Quoting the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), she emphasizes,

“There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.”

Currently, data centers and transmission networks account for only 1.5% of global energy demand, but this is expected to grow by 20% to 70% annually.

Therefore, CIOs must ensure that their entire digital infrastructure—from the frontline sensors to the cloud—is energy efficient and sustainable.

Makarochkina highlights Schneider Electric’s role in this space, noting,

“Through our global sustainability consulting services, we not only share our own sustainability journey but also offer our expertise to help other organizations meet their sustainability goals.”

She adds that tools such as data center infrastructure management (DCIM) and environmental sustainability management (ESM) are crucial for giving CIOs the granular data they need to optimize energy usage and meet emissions targets.

Furthermore, CIOs must actively collaborate with business leaders across the organization to help them understand the tools and services available for achieving their sustainability objectives.

“The CIO is increasingly becoming the gatekeeper for green value, helping organizations combat greenwashing and implement real, measurable sustainability practices,” Makarochkina states.

The AI-Driven Supercycle and Its Challenges

AI adoption is accelerating, with Gartner predicting that by 2026, 80% of enterprises will have deployed generative AI applications.

Makarochkina points out that while AI offers significant benefits—including improved productivity, enhanced customer experiences, and new product creation—it also presents new challenges.

“Enterprises must prepare for the architectural, sustainability, and security demands that come with AI, particularly in areas such as power supply, cooling, rack space, and connectivity,” she explains.

Schneider Electric has addressed these challenges in its white paper The AI Disruption: Challenges and Guidance for Data Center Design, which provides CIOs with the insights needed to leverage AI while ensuring their infrastructure can handle the increased demands.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Amid Growing Threats

Cybersecurity remains a top concern for CIOs as cybercriminals become more sophisticated, targeting specific industries such as healthcare and media. “In times of uncertainty, criminals will exploit vulnerabilities,” Makarochkina writes, referencing the rise in ransomware attacks. To counter this, she advises, “CIOs must adopt the Zero Trust Model (ZTM) of least privileged access, ensuring that users and devices are protected no matter where they are.”

As digital infrastructure grows, even traditionally non-digital equipment like plant machinery and smart UPS systems are becoming part of the attack surface. “These devices must be treated as part of the digital estate and protected just as rigorously as servers and network switches,” she warns.

Building Resilience for Future Challenges

Makarochkina also emphasizes the need for resilience. “Recent years have shown us that organizations must be resilient and agile in the face of continuous shocks,” she notes. By leveraging the right technologies, CIOs can build resilience across their organizations, empowering employees and enhancing overall efficiency.

Resilience is not just about withstanding shocks but also about remaining adaptable. CIOs who prioritize resilience will be better equipped to manage hybrid architectures and sophisticated systems, ensuring that their organizations remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

A Unified Technology Vision for Digital Transformation

In her thought leadership piece, Makarochkina underscores the importance of consolidating technology stacks to drive digital transformation.

“Many organizations are moving towards a single technology vision,” she writes.

Historically, enterprises managed multiple lines of business with distinct technology stacks, but through 2024, CIOs will increasingly focus on unifying these systems to improve overall business performance.

This consolidation is crucial for maintaining momentum, especially as new technologies such as Web3 and the enterprise metaverse emerge.

Makarochkina warns, “When businesses focus on too many technology initiatives at once, they risk losing efficiency and diluting the impact of each initiative.”

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

As the demand for tech talent grows, particularly in AI, machine learning, and automation, CIOs must ensure their organizations are attractive to skilled professionals. Makarochkina writes,

“IT professionals seek environments where technology makes their jobs easier and where they can work on fulfilling projects that make a difference.”

In addition, CIOs must also focus on developing their workforce. “CIOs must create learning pathways for employees to grow and ensure that they are equipped with the skills needed to navigate the future of work,” she advises.

The CIO Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

Looking ahead, Makarochkina anticipates that CIOs will continue to grapple with challenges related to sustainability, security, resilience, and talent acquisition. However, she remains optimistic about their role in shaping the future.

“The CIO has emerged as one of the most valued roles in the C-suite,” she writes. “Those who can navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape will position their organizations for success in the coming years.”

The post CIOs Face Pressing Challenges in AI, Cybersecurity, and Sustainability, Says Industry Expert appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

• Microgrid solution, for off-grid communities, Villaya Flex, launched at a Press Briefing held at the EAIF conference 2024 , Lagos Nigeria.
• Committed to providing access to clean energy to 50 million people globally by 2025, and 100 million by 2030 to unlock access to the future for all.

Schneider Electric, global leader in sustainable energy solutions, pioneers’ initiatives to improve Access to Energy in Africa’s energy landscape.

With a firm commitment to fostering a greener and more resilient future, Schneider Electric spearheaded discussions at a press briefing at the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) Conference, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on universal access to sustainable energy solutions.

Present at the press conference were key representatives from Schneider Electric, Ajibola Akindele, Country President, Schneider Electric West Africa; Thomas Bonicel, Director MEAS, Access to Energy, Schneider Electric; Teina Teibowei, Commercial Leader, Microgrid, Schneider Electric; Omobolanle Omotayo, Marketing Communication Manager, Schneider Electric West Africa, media representatives, amongst others.

Addressing critical topics concerning sustainable energy access in Africa, Ajibola Akindele, country president, Schneider Electric West Africa, began by sharing insights into Schneider Electric’s Impact and the transformative initiatives undertaken across Africa and in Nigeria.

“Schneider Electric is a company that is almost 200 years old. We are a global company-a global company with a local presence in over 110 countries, and 150 thousand employees across the world. Our mission is to be a global digital partner for sustainability and efficiency, empowering all to make the most of our energy resources, bridge progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life is On. 

We have a proven track record and experience of 25 years in carrying out sustainability practices globally and have been recognized by the Corporate Knights Global 100 Index as the top 100 world’s most sustainable corporation for the 12th time in a row. 

In Nigeria, we have over a hundred partners serving all our customers in regions we serve across various industries: power sector, real estates, transportation, oil and gas, telecommunication, and travel and tourism. With a million electricians, 6000+ official distributors of Schneider Electric, and 120 thousand point of sale distributors, Schneider Electric is a diversified company, closely knit to our customers, and delivering solutions that address the Nigerian market,” he said.

Thomas Bonicel, speaking on Schneider Electric’s Access to Energy (A2E) program, emphasized the program’s mission to empower communities through clean and reliable energy access.

“Schneider Electric’s Access to Energy program provides comprehensive approaches to support the universal access to sustainable, safe, and clean energy for developing countries including Africa, which includes training & entrepreneurship programs, social & inclusive business, and investment funds. In achieving sustainability, by 2030, we want to be net zero ready on all our operations, end-to-end carbon neutral value chain by 2040, and net zero C02 value chain by 2050.

Schneider Electric has a wide range of Access to Energy solutions suitable for electrifying small homes and micro-enterprises, fundamental public services, up to villages and communities.

There are over 700 million people across the world without access to energy, 600 million in Africa and 95 million in Nigeria; at Schneider Electric, we have decided to deploy our Access to Energy solutions in Nigeria. Our major KPI is the impact measured by the quantity of connected people and with Villaya Flex, a latest Schneider Electric innovation, we are ready to support independent electricity access and renewable energy adoption in remote villages and off-grid communities,” Bonicel said.

Teina Teibowei highlighted that the  “Villaya Flex is a packaged, comprehensive microgrid solution, that maximizes solar energy to minimize reliance on polluting gensets. It incorporates smart monitoring and an integrated management system to efficiently manage multiple energy sources, ultimately optimizing the mini grid’s performance. Specifically designed for rural, off-the-grid communities, it aims to ensure a dependable and sustainable energy supply to meet daily needs and power productive economic activities in these communities.”

Teina also noted the Nigerian Government and the World Bank’s joint efforts to extend electricity access to rural Nigerian villages.

Schneider Electric’s Villaya Flex microgrid solution is well-positioned to tackle the electrification challenges of these remote communities, potentially serving as a valuable asset for the World Bank’s Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project.

Schneider Electric is committed to providing access to clean electricity to 50 million by 2025, and 100 million by 2030.

To date, 46.5 million people have already benefited from Schneider’s energy access solutions. Through innovative solutions like Villaya Flex, Schneider Electric continues to drive positive change, enabling sustainable development and resilience in off-grid communities across Africa.

The post Villaya Flex for Off-Grid Communities: Schneider Electric Continues to Drive Access to Sustainable Energy in Africa appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Speaking at the launch event, Thomas Bonicel, Commercial Director of Schneider Electric’s Energy Access business in Africa said, “Access to reliable and affordable energy is essential for powering healthcare, education and livelihoods in rural Nigeria. With over 95 million people lacking access to electricity, innovative solutions are needed to bridge the energy gap. 

“With Villaya Flex, we are providing a scalable and sustainable microgrid technology tailored for Nigeria’s intervention programs to help accelerate energy access for communities currently relying on expensive and polluting diesel generators or kerosene lamps.”

Villaya Flex is a pre-engineered, pre-wired and containerized microgrid system that integrates solar PV panels, lithium-ion battery energy storage and an intelligent microgrid controller. 

The scalable solution is available in modular sizes from 50kW to 100kW to suit the energy needs of villages and hamlets. It has been designed for easy deployment, operation and maintenance in the harsh climatic conditions prevalent in rural Nigeria. 

This solution will help in the achievement of Schneider Electric’s goal to create 139 million jobs in the energy sector by 2030, resolving the 2.8 million global electrician shortage across regions.

“Schneider Electric prioritizes sustainability, efficiency, and digital partnerships in everything we do,” said Ajibola Akindele, Country President, West Africa, Schneider Electric. “With over a million partners, we are able to extend our reach and deliver our solutions globally. This strategy brings us closer to our customers and allows us to reach even the most remote communities, just as in the case of our new product, Villaya Flex.”

Teina Teibowei, Microgrid Commercial Lead for Schneider Electric West Africa said, “As the technology partner for many World Bank and donor-funded projects such as the Nigeria Electrification Project, Villaya Flex allows us to work closely with local developers, NGOs and implementing agencies. 

We are focused on providing end-to-end support from design and specification to commissioning, training and after-sales service to ensure reliable and efficient operation of these microgrids over their lifetime. Our goal is to empower local communities through access to clean and sustainable energy.”

Schneider Electric aims to support the electrification of remote communities through strategic partnerships that will help subsidize Villaya Flex which can scale access to energy for productive uses and livelihoods. 

Accessible only for communal use through tariffs, this product will contribute towards achieving Nigeria’s goal of providing electricity access for 95 million citizens by 2030.

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